Russia is the world's largest exporter of natural gas, and it has used that power before as a geopolitical weapon. But the US recently became the biggest producer of natural gas due to new fracking technology. And the US is working to use its new might to undercut Russia's sway over Europe.

Japan's prime minister has unveiled a plan to restart the country's nuclear energy program almost three years after the Fukushima disaster. But given the country's deep divide over nuclear power, the plan is short of specifics and retains a commitment to developing renewable energy sources.

If being in the French Alps isn't enough of a thrill, now you can "step into the void" with only a glass floor to hold you. Indian police use bananas to recover stolen goods. And we introduce you to the Paradogs of World War II, Chess boxing, Christian Rock Pakistani-style, and more in today's Global Scan.

The Pentagon has made it clear that its "Buy American" policy will be in effect for solar panels — which means Chinese-made solar panels are no longer acceptable for US military installation in the US and abroad.

Day three of the government shutdown has arrived with some in Europe blaming the Tea Party for pulling the plug on the US of A. Meanwhile, in a place where government is still running, the Germans have turned to an ex-wrestler to decommission its nuclear plants. And the Greeks' neo-Nazi party is under the microscope.

Rural Pennsylvanians welcomed fracking onto their lands assuming the financial benefits would outweigh any negatives. The good times came, but only until gas companies started taking larger cuts of the profits. Now farmers and their families are left to wonder whether it's all worth it.

Brazil has had a thriving ethanol industry because of a confluence of factors that made ethanol dramatically cheaper than gas. But that's changed, which has pressured the ethanol industry and Brazil's government to consider what to do next.

The Pentagon has made it clear that its "Buy American" policy will be in effect for solar panels — which means Chinese-made solar panels are no longer acceptable for US military installation in the US and abroad.

The World's Rhitu Chatterjee reports on some of the obstacles to India's ambitious plans for nuclear power. There are concerns within India about liability in the case of accidents and land takings to build the plants.

Japan's prime minister has unveiled a plan to restart the country's nuclear energy program almost three years after the Fukushima disaster. But given the country's deep divide over nuclear power, the plan is short of specifics and retains a commitment to developing renewable energy sources.

Ethanol has largely fizzled here in the US. But in Brazil, people have been driving their cars for years powered only by sugarcane ethanol. In recent years though, ethanol in Brazil has hit a speed bump.

The nuclear accident at the Fukushima Daiichi power plant is considered the second worst nuclear disaster in history. Science journalist, Geoff Brumfiel has been writing about the Fukushima disaster for Nature magazine. He spoke with Marco Werman.

An extreme electricity shortage in Pakistan has left many Pakistanis looking for alternatives to power from the grid. Now a growing number are turning to energy from the sun and wind. Asma Khalid reports from Lahore.